Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1873-08-24
naa,h of a Distinxuished Divine.

The Charleston Courier announces the
death in that city on the 10Th inst., of Rev.
,rhos S-vth. DID. DR.. SMITH was born
in Relfast Irelap,.., in 1908, and was edu-
nated q. he college In that place, from
which he graduated with the nisl9Ss Don-
ors. After leaving college he went to Lv--
don and began to prepare himself for the
duties of the ministry by the study Of the
ology. After successful course Of studies,
in which be gained distinguished honors,
at the age of twenty three years, he deter
mined to come to America. He arrived
in this country in the year 1881, and at
once resumed his studies at Princeton Col
lego, New Jersey. He remained there
about one Jeaf, and at the ex-
piration of that time was about to
start upon missionary tour to
Florida when a circumstance occurred
which had an important bearing upon his
future life. A letter was received by the
faculty of the college 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 rec
ommehded Mr.. Smyth, and earnestly urged
his acceptance OF the trust. In compls
ance with this request, he left Princeton,
and arrived in Charleston in the year 1882.
Immec lately upon his arrival he entered
upon the discharge of those duties which
be so faithfully performed during q period
of years extending over almost half CEN
tnry. In Juy, 1882, soon after his arrival
in Charleston, he mar led The eldest daugh-
ter of Mr.. James Adger. He continued 10
fill the pulpit of e Second Presbyterian
Church (better known Of late as DR..
Smyth's Church, from bis long
pastorate) until about two years
ago, when failing health compelled him to
resign the active duGies of his position to
more Youthful hands. He was, however,
at once elected honorary pastor, and fire.
quently conducted divine service even up to
within short time of his death. In Sept,
1884, the college at Princeton, n. j., con-
ferred upon him the degree of doctor of d.
vinitY. DR.. Smith was q man OF liberal
education and large att inments. He was
indefatigable in the pursuit of knowledge,
and in his early life graduated both at medi-
cine and law. He is the author of over
thirty works upon theological subjects, which
survive him, and which give him deserved
eminence in Ibe world of letters. In 1910 he
published in book form series Of lectures on
the " Practical Doctrine of Apostolic Sue
cessioD," which was very widely read and
commented upon. About the same time
he issued sn Ecclesiastical Catecbism Of
the Presbyterian Church, and both volumes
were by the Synod of South Carolina and
Georgia cordially recommended as works
of high value" A work on Ecclesiastical
Republicanism" was published soon after,
aud this was followed by his celebrated
book, "Presbytery and not Prelacy," which
is still considered high authority in the
Presbyterian church. He was a Jealous
and faithful worker in the " vineyard of
the Lord" and his long life of useful
ness abouDded in good works. In the
prime of his manhood he was stricken with
paralysis, and in 1858, while on his return
from the Presbyterian General Assembly,
he was again stricken so severely that for
time all hopes OF bis life were given up.
His indomitable clergy of viii, however,
sustained him, and although ever afterwards
a cripple, he pe.severed to the end in the
WORK TO Whlr,n he had devoted his life.
While, however, the vigor of his in
tellect Wa preserved to the end Of his life,
his heai' d became greatly impaired, and
when '.he summons came it found him
ready and willing to give an account of his
ste'Tsrdship. his private virtues matched
t i.te purity Of his public life, and bis men,
ory will long be revered by ths flock 70
whose welfare the labor Of his life was de-
voted,