Litchfield enquirer., 1846-01-01
HON: JOHN COTTON SMITH.

The honorable John Cotton Smith was the
late distinguished President Of the American
Bible Society. AT d meeting Of the Board OF
Managers Of this Institutions the Rev. Dr.
Spring, from the Committee appointed with re.
ference to the occasion, presented an interest
ing report in regard to the character Of the de"
pariel President, whom be had known tor forty
years. DR.. Dewitt related that one Of the last
declarations Of the deceased, in conversation,
WIS, that " he found his chief pleasure TO con-
sist in reading the sacred Scriptures." his
faiter had been for near fifty years the pastor
of church in Sharon, Connecticut. de was
in the habit Of visiting him in his study ana
found him constantly reading in his Blole:-
Once when he expressed astonishment that MS
father should con6ne himself 20 els'Rslyely 20
the reading Of the Scriptures. the aged saint g.
piled, " My son, trust you haye the grace o.
God in your heart. Ifyou Hvesio he - OLD as
am, YOU will not wonder that the Word Of God
should be my exclusive delight remark
which his SON found verified in his own exPe'
Gov. Smith has filled many distinguished
Offices. He was born in 1865. He was several
years a Representative in the General Assembly
Of his native State. and also in the Congress Of
the United States. He was Speaker OF the
House oil Representatives in the State LegIsla-
ture in 1907 aud 1908. In 1909 he was
OF Errors. In 1918 he was Governor at the
State, and continued 90 till 1917. In 1926 he
was President Of the American Board OF Com
anissioners for Foreign Missions. In 1881 ne
became President OF the American Bible So
ciety. .
The following are the Resolutions offered in
the meeting OF the Board by the Rev. DR..
Spring.
Resoiued, That the members Of this Board
convened in special session by the death, on
the 7th instant. Of the Hon. John Cotton Smith,
President of the Society, record, with unfeign'
"a emotion, their sense Of the loss which they
and their fellow-iaboIers throughout the coun-
frv, have sustained by this affective dispensa'
fion of Divine Providence They feel that
truly wise and good man has been taken away
Through his long public career in his native
State. which bestowed on him its highest hon.
ors, and in the councils of the National Legs
1ature, they see every where evidence OF his
exalted and pure motives; his dignitied and
courteous department, and his untiring assidn,.
~ a. well as ability, in the discharge Of all
trusts committed to his care. They see hiE
in middle life and in old age, the abiding pat
ron of sound learning; the promoter Of every
humane and philanthropie enterprise and
above all, the decided, CONSTANT advocate o
the doctrines and duties Of the revealed Scrip
lures. At the commencement OF this Society
he was appointed Vice President, and mani
tested deep interest in its welfare. in 1881
he was chosen its Presiding Officer. and from
that period has, with two exceptions. ATTENDED
e its anniversary meetings. and with his ovr
voice expressed his sacred regard for the Bi6i'
and his earnest desire for its universal difiu
sion.
The removal Of such a distinguished leade
and associates hough Of more than fuur-scor'
years, cannot but be viewed as a bereavement
and while the Board offer this affectenate tri
butte to his memory. they would be exorted b!
his example to new zeal in prosecuting tn,
work still dcvolved on the institution which
he so long and so fondfy cherished
Resofved, That the above memorial Of thei
departed friend and President. be inscribed OF
e the minutes of the Board, and cepy OF tn,
d same he communicated to his son.