The New York herald., 1870-12-10
TIE LECTURE SEASON.
the HuXoa OF SYDNEY SMITH.

Lecture by MIR. William Anderson Before
the Young Mems Christian Association.
Last evening a very interesting lecture was de-
livered on the above subject by MIR. william Ander-
son, before the Young Mems Christian Association,
at the western branch, Hudson street. There was q
large attendance, and the wit, eoquence and well
pointed observations which throughout marked the
discourse were thoroughly appreciated. The Presi-
dent of the association introduced the lecturer, who
commenced by giving biographical sketch OF
Sydney Smith. and said thatit not his intention
to present him that occasion the popular Lon
don preacher, the brilliant essayst the eloquent
advocate OF social REFORM but to introduce HIM rs the
genial humorst and man OF society. After quoting
Smiths ideas of the effect OF wit and humor upon
character and disposition. Mr.. Anderson remarked
that those who had familiarzed themselves with
the writings OF the
''wI-TIEsT ESGLIsHMAN OF THE CENTURY"
could not fail to notice the important part which the
aimentive faculty played in influencing his mental
powers. While he did not affirm that the witty par
son was n glutton, he presented number OF apt
quotations TO establish the assertion that some OF
Smiths most humorous sayings were tinged with
his predominant love Of the pleasures Of the table;
for IN an hour OF fancy Sydney declared that his
idea OF heaven was eating JOte grdS to the sound OF
trumpets Among the notable passages from Smiths
voluminous writings that were quoted in the first
part OF the lecture was the advice he gave to Mrs.
Meynell TO take more care OF her choice geraniums
and not let the pigs IN upon them; for although
GERANIUM-FED BACON
was Of a beautiful color, II took too many plants 10
fatten one pig; his definition OF real pety and at
tacnment to the Church, which was sending straw
berries to clergyman, and his genial note TO a
nrandchid for mailing him letter over weight
puddings ana to undress her dolls and steal their
under pettlcoats. The lecturer then invited his au-
dlence to accompany Sidney Smith to the dinner
tables of the bon ton OF the British metropolis, and TO
| listen to some OF the words OF wit and wisdom
which fell from the lips OF the great humorist. For
1 choice
OF the humor Of Smith, which the student OF his works
1 is conversant with, in such an anmated strain as
showed his hearty appreciation of tho brilliant wit
that sparkled in every sentence. We note, particu-
larry. the scene that took place at dinner party
where Sir james Macintosh and Sydney Smith
| succeeded In making raw Scotch ensign believe
that the latter was tue great Sur sydney" and the
| laughter upon learning that young Scotchman was
4 going to marry
AN IRISH WIDOW OF HUGE DIMENSIONS.
! 'Going to marry herYr he exclaimed. 'tYOu mean
| part OF her; he could not marry ner all himself
It would be case not OF bigamy, but tngamy,
! whole parish. one man marry herr 1t is mon
strous You might people colony with her; or
an assembly WIN her or perhaps take your
were frequent resting places, and you were IN
| good health. Ionce was rash enough to try walk
Ing round her before breakfast, but only got half
| way and gave 1t up exhausted. Or you might read
the riot act and dsperse her. in short, you might do
| anything with her but marry ner."
The lecturer then, by way OF practical improve
ment. quoted Smiths truthful remark that diges-
tlon was the great secret or 1fe and that charac-
ter talents and virtues were powerfully affected by
| PIE CRUST AND RICH SOUPS.
A number OF Sydneys idiosyncracies were emu
| merated and Mr.. Anderson concluded his enter
tanning paper by asking his hearers to peep over
smiths shoulder for few moments while he com
muned pen In hand, with jeffrey and other intimate
| correspondents, and to embody in their lives this
pit OF Smith phosophy:-'f it be my lot to crawl
IL will crawl contentedy; If to fly, Will fly with
aacrlty; but as long as can possibly avoid IL VIII
! never be unhappy. III, with pleasant wife, three
| children good house and farm, many books and a
host OF true friends. cannot be happy am a very
| silly, foolish lellow.n