The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1873-08-22

THE REV. THOMAS SMYrH, D. D.
The community will be panied to learn
OF the demise of the Rev. Thos. Smyth,
D. D., which event occurred at his resi-
denoe, in Meeting street, yesterday
afternoon, at S o'clock. DR.. Smyth was
born in Belfast, ireland. in 1903, and
was educated at the college in that
place, from which he graduated with the
highest honors. After leaving college,
he went to London and began to pre-
pare himself for the duties OF the minis
try by the study of theology. After q
successful course of studies, in which he
gained distinguished honors, at the age
Of twenty-three years, he determined to
come to America. He arrived in this
country in the year 1881, and at once
resumed his studies at Princeton Col
lege, New Jersey. He remained there
about one year, and at the expiration of
that time was about to start upon mis-.
sionary tour to Florida, when circum-
stance occurred which had an important
bearing upon his future life. A letter
was received by the faculty of tho col
lege from the congregation of the
Second Presbyterian Church of this
city, asking them to recommend a
young minister to supply the pulpit of
that church. The faculty unanimously
and cordially recommended DR.. Smyth,
and earnestly urged his acceptance Of
the trust. In compliance with this re.
quest, be left Princeton, and arrived in
Charleston in the year 1882. Immedi.
ately upon his arrival, he entered upon
the discharge of those duties which he
80 faithfully performed during period
Of years extending over almost half q
century. In July, 1882, soon after his
arrival in this oity. he married the eldest
daughter of Mr. James Adger. He con-
tinued to fill the pulpit Of the Second
Presbyterian Church (better known Of
late as DR.. Smyth's Church, from his
long pastorate,) until about two years
ago, when failing health compelled him
to resign the active duties Of his posi-
ton to more youthful hands. He was,
however, ut once elected honorary pas
tor, and frequently conducted divine
service even up to within short time
of his death. In September, 1S43, the
college at Princeton, N. j., conferred
upon him the degree of Doctor Of Divi-
nifty.
DR.. Smyth was a man of liberal edu-
cation aud largo attainments. lie was
indefatigable in the pursuit of know
lodge, and in his early life graduated
both at medicine and law. He is the
author of over thirty works upon theo-
logical subjects, which survive him, and
which give him q deserved eminence in
the world of letters. In 1910, be pub
lished in book form series of lectures
on the "Prelatical Doctrine of Apostolic
Succession" which was very widely read
and commented upon. About the same
time, he issued an "Ecclesiastical Gate
chism Of the Presbyterian Church, and
both volumes were by the Synod OF
South Carolina and Georgia cordially
recommended as works of high value
work on Ecclesiastical Republican,
ism" was published soon after, and this
was followed by his celebrated book.
"Presbytery, and Not Prelacy," which
is still considered high authority in tie
Presbyterian Church. He was IL Jealous
and faithful worker in the vineyard OF
the Lord" and his long life OF usefulness
abounded in good works. In the prime
of his manhood, he WAS stricken with
paralysis, and in 1853, whilo on his re
turn from the Presbyterian General AS
sembly, he was again stricken SO severe
ly that for O time all hopes OF his life
were given up. His indomitable energy
orwill. however. sustained him, and al.
though ever afterwards cripple, he
persevered to the end in the work to
which he had devoted his life. While,
however, the vigor of his intellect was
preserved to the end of his life, his
health became greatly impaired, and
when the summons came, it found him
ready and willing to give an account Of
his stewardship. His private virtues
matched the purity of his public life,
and his memory will long be revered by
the flock to whose welfare the labor OF
his life was dcvoted.-ChmleSton Ne,cs
DEATHS: On Saturday night, 18th
instant, Of brain fever, son Of George
keenan,, aged about ten years.
On Monday night, Miss Dctscy Nor
rOX. dauChter of David Mnrrnv de-