Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1828-02-23

and adds 20 his reputation. He is al home
and interesting in Tales Of the sea.
Washington Irving's life ofColumbus will
be before the public early in March. and ex-
pointed. w.
The following letter from Bishop Hobart 20
the Mayor Of New York, has been handed US
for publication. " Y Adrocnie.
Sir-I have this day received from the Clerk
of the Corporation of the city. copy OF reso>
luton oflhe Common Council. in which "the
rever nd the clergy of The city are respectfully
requested to notice, in all appropriate and SOL
emn 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 WIT Clin-
ton"
AS feel myself under the necessity Of de-
clining to comply with this request, in Triui y
Church, and at ST. Paul's and ST. Johns Chan
els, Of which | have the parochial charge,
hope you will permit me, in order 10 prevent
misconstruc,ion, to state the reasons which
have Influenced me in this discrimination.
The prostitution Of religion 10 the purposes
Of secular policy has produced lhe greatest
mischiefs; and conceive that The studlous Sc
paratIon Of the church from The state, which
characteristics our Republican constitutions, is
designed 10 prevent religion aud its ministers
from being made subservient to the views Of
those who, from time 10 time may administer
public affairs. But if the civil or municipal
authority may desire the clergy "to notice, in
an appropriate manner" the death Of The chief
magistrate of state, the request may be ex,
tended to every distinguished citizen who has
hled public office and thus the ministrations
of the clergy may be made 10 advance The in
fluence Of political men and political measures:
an evil from which, in The old world, the most
unhappy effects have resulted, and agains,
which, in this country, we should most sedu-
lous!y guard.
The character of the individual, loo, whose
memory is TO receive iii Sc high religious hon.
ors, may not render him worthy Of This sacred
distinction, or in seasons ut great political ex>
citemcn:, he may BE- as obnoxious 10 one pnr-
tior Ct the community as he is the idol of ano-
Their; and thus the clergy, who should be de-
voted TO the exercise OF their spiritual functions,
may be drawn into the ranks of party, and sui
fer in its rude conflicts. In almost every case,
from the varying opinions of The relative mer-
its 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 mole sober estimate Of o.
theirs There is no view of this matter viii, h
does not, in my judgment, present serious OBJ
irctions TO compliance with the request oil The
Corporation.
As far as my private feelings are concerned,
il would be most grateful to me to BEAR my
public testimony to The eminent talents, the ti'
vii services. and the private virtues, OF the la
menicd chief magistrate Of The stale; and, most
certainly, great Difference is due to a request
Of tho functionaries Of the city in which am
minister; but paramount considerations o. duty
will prevent my compliance with lcq"es,
which, in the principle thai II involves, and IN
the precedent which ii will establish, appear:
to me OF dangerous tendency, in regard 10 the
spirit of our free cons buttons, and TO the in
tcrests of religion, and the character and infu
ence Of its ministers.
have the honor 10 be, with great respect
your most obedient servant,
J. Fl. HOBART.
Saturday, Feb. l6, 1928.