the lofty regions of inexperienced fancy, in which we often soared, I have sunk down to the plain, but, perhaps, more valuable enjoyments of common life. Except when under the uncontrollable influence of constitutional melancholy, I can generally find tranquil happiness in the endearments and duties of domestic life-in the enlivening hopes of friendship -in plans of literary improvement and professional duty; and, if I know my own heart, I can say, that, regarding this world as the scene of much vice and misery, and containing no bliss but what will be infinitely exalted in that which is to come, I cherish always with pleasure, and sometimes with triumph, the prospect of leaving it, and entering on the perfection and unutterable happiness of my everlasting existence."

In this new and important situation Mr. Hobart fully sustained the reputation, as a preacher, which he had already acquired. His discourses were written with all the freedom and glow of youthful feeling, and, though not bearing the test of rigid criticism, nor suiting the taste of the more scrupulous and refined, were yet exceedingly acceptable to the great body of the people. The evangelical spirit which they always breathed-the bold and direct appeals which they addressed to the hearts and consciences of men-the infusion of his own tenderness into religious truths, which gave to them their native impressiveness and force-the indifference which he himself felt to the world, that made others more sensible of its emptiness and vanity; all these things were calculated to arouse the attention of his hearers, to awaken their zeal, inflame their

piety, and urge them on with increasing diligence in their Christian course. 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 equalled 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 eloquence in others. There was not the slightest appearance 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 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 restraints 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 characteristics 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 interfere with it; the engagements of company, whether at home or abroad, were interrupted; study was laid aside; every occupation or pursuit, however agreeable, gave place to this important duty. The cheerfulness 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 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 have chanced to be with him. The ease and freedom of his manner, united with the greatest tenderness and delicacy, 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 solemnity 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 character, nor the obligations of his calling, but often availing himself of suitable opportunities to season common discourse with such words as might "minister grace 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!

The following letter of Mr. Hobart to the Rev. Dr. Boucher, vicar of Epsom, was sent by Mr. Mercer, on a visit which he made to England in 1802:

"Rev. John Boucher,

"SIR,

"New-York, Nov. 22d, 1802.

"I am sensible that an apology is due to you from a stranger, for the liberty which he takes of addressing you. As a minister of the Episcopal Church, cherishing a warm interest in its welfare, I have been led to esteem your character as one of VOL. I.

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its principal defenders, and from my connexion, by marriage, with one of the late Dr. Chandler's daughters, to revere you as his valued friend.

"My acquaintance with Dr. Chandler's family did not commence until several years after his death. I regret this circumstance the more, as all his papers, which I conceive would have thrown considerable light on the history of the Church in this country, have been destroyed. I am persuaded that a Church in which you once so zealously laboured, must still be the object of your solicitude; and if, amidst the profound literary pursuits in which you are at present engaged, you could find leisure for other objects, no person could be better qualified for recording and elucidating the early and the more advanced history of the American Church. Such an account of its origin and progress as you would be able to give, would be a valuable acquisition to literature, to ecclesiastical history, and to the cause of sound principles in religion and government. Should your engagements forbid the prosecution of an extensive plan, such hints as you might be able to put to paper, would be a valuable present to any friend of the Church here, to whom you might think proper to transmit them. I have often deeply regretted that the venerable clergy are, one by one, passing away, without any exertions being made to secure for posterity the important information which they possess on the past affairs of the Church."*

Mr. Hobart to Mr. Mercer.

* An answer to this letter was received, but it cannot be found among the Bishop's papers.