charges of bigotry and ambition brought against Mr. Hobart, the results of his course are a sufficient answer; the event has falsified them both. The Church he defended became, under his doctrinal guidance, not bigoted but evangelical-the Christian peace, his policy was accused of violating, has been by that very policy, preserved and defended-and the man accused of a worldly spirit, and inordinate ambition, lived and died a humble, selfdenying Christian, with so little of this world's wealth as to be often himself dependent, and leaving to his children little other inheritance than the remembrance of his good name, and the kind offices of those who still love and reverence it. His course, therefore, was one of duty, not of interest or self-glory. Had he consulted his ease he would not have entered upon such unthankful labour. Had influence been his object, he would not have chosen such unpopular ground; but, consulting neither, he devoted himself, faithfully and fearlessly, to the task that lay before him.

That he foresaw, on entering upon it, the long career into which it led, it is not necessary to maintain, it is sufficient for the praise of his sagacity that he never found reason to alter his course; as he began, so he proceeded, and so he ended, holding the steady tenour of his way, 'through good report and through evil report,' refuting arguments by his pen, and calumny by his life; bearing down opposition by energy of action and singleness of purpose; living down prejudice by the virtues of a pure and benevolent piety; disarming enmity by kindness; conciliating opposition by gentleness, and winning the confidence even of his opponents, by an honesty of purpose which no man could doubt, and a candour of speech which left nothing to be misunderstood. With such traits for a leader, we wonder not at the result; we wonder not, that beginning with few adherents he gathered around him as he proceeded a wider and a wider circle of attached friends to the very last hour of life; a circle out of which no man retreated who had once

entered, but which, on the contrary, numbered at its close, with scarce a single exception, every individual who had once stood in opposition against him.

·

• In enumerating the existing sources of the history of the American Church, in the earlier part of this chapter, the author should have added Chandler's Life of Dr. Johnson; the Historical Account of the Church in South Carolina,' by the Rev. Dr. Dalcho; and the 'Preliminary' to Dr. Gadsden's interesting Memoir of Bishop Dehon,' a list to which he is now happy to be able to add, 'Dr. Hawks' History of the Church in Virginia.'

CHAPTER V.

1803.-Et. 28.

Letters to Rev. Dr. Boucher-Sketch of Life and Character-to his friend Mercer-Series of Letters to Mr. How-Board of Trustees of Columbia College-Mr. Hobart's Election into it -Members-Division-Rev. Dr. Mason-Character-Contests in the Board.

BUT before proceeding into the merits of the controversy thus forced upon him, we turn for a time to more quiet

scenes.

Among the college friendships which time and absence had not severed was that with young Mercer, (the Hon. Charles Fenton Mercer, of Virginia.) Upon the visit of the latter to Europe, in 1802, Mr. Hobart addressed the following letter, by his hands, to the Rev. Dr. Boucher, one of the expatriated clergy of the Church in the colonies, but at that time Vicar of Epsom (England.)

Sir,

TO REV. DR. BOUCHER.

'New-York, November 22d, 1802.

I am sensible that an apology is due to you from a stranger for the liberty which he takes of addressing you. You will permit me to say, that feeling as a minister of the Episcopal Church, cherishing a warm interest in its welfare, I have been led to esteemn your character as one of its principal defenders; and from my connection 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.

I take the liberty of sending you some pamphlets which will give information on the present state of our Church. In our transactions I trust there are some things to approve; and, it is to be feared, other things which the sound advocate of primitive principles would be obliged to condemn. The force of circumstances it is not always possible to resist, and the torrent of popular prejndices is not in a moment to be subdued. The Church in this quarter is, I trust, brightening in its prospects. Itsstate to the southward excites the most poignant apprehensions of its friends. The legislature in Virginia have invaded its property; its clergy, with grief be it spoken, are many of them dispirited and inactive; many parishes are and have been for a long time vacant; and solitary are the instances of persons of talents and piety engaging in the ministry. Could some clergy of the Church of England, of sound principles and active popular talents, be persuaded to seat themselves in that quarter, Virginia particularly, they might be able successfully to oppose the rapid strides which the popular declamation of the sectarian clergy is making toward the complete possession of the confidence and support of the people. But, alas! what has a poor, persecuted Church to offer any of the clergy of England to leave their fortunate and happy country.

Charles F. Mercer, Esq., carries a letter of introduction from the Rev. Mr. Waugh, but I cannot refrain from mentioning those traits of his character which have been the foundation of the closest friendship between us. Intelligent and amiable, ardent in his feelings, and persevering and noble in all his aims, he obtains general esteem and respect wherever he is known; and, what will enhance his character in your estimation, he has, in this age of degeneracy, openly professed his belief in the religion of JESUS, and among the young men of his country afforded almost a solitary example of a consistent and uniform submission to the faith, the ordinances, and precepts of the Gospel.

Be pleased to excuse the long encroachment which I have made on your time. Accept my most ardent wishes that your declining years may be cheered by all the exalted rewards of distinguished science and eminent piety. Permit me to subscribe myself,

Most respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

JOHN H. HOBART.'

The picture given by Mr. Mercer, in his answer, of the retirement of this learned and amiable man is so pleasing, and his remembrance of his American home so touching, as to deserve extracting. After enumerating the members of his family, the writer goes on to add :

FROM C. F. MERCER.

'Leicester Place, London, July 29th, 1803.

I believed, for a moment, that I saw the old patriarchal simplicity revived; and I felt deeply interested in the journey which the venerable head of this amiable family was performing. His gardens, his grounds, his house, his library, and the affection with which he seemed to be regarded by all around him, gave me a very pleasing view of his character. They told me that he used to say, that his three temporal blessings were, his family first, his books next, and his garden. He preserves an affectionate remembrance of our country. His daughter pointed out to me many American plants and trees which he had nurtured with great care. I was particularly pleased with his library, which is