1789] REV. WILLIAM SMITH, D. D. 1 63 



7th of October, ten working days ; and it had other important 

 subjects to attend to besides this work of revising the Liturgy. 

 No such review could give satisfaction to all, nor, perhaps, on re- 

 flection, entirely to any one. It was not expected that it would ; 

 nor was more expected than that which Dr. Smith expressed when 

 he expressed in behalf of the Convention the hope that it would 

 be "received and examined by every true member of our Church 

 and every sincere Christian with a meek, candid and charitable 

 frame of mind; without prejudice or prepossessions; seriously con- 

 sidering what Christianity is and what the truths of the Gospel are." 



In the nature of things, the subject would come further before 

 the Church in the next Convention — that of 1789 ; a General Con- 

 vention for all the States where the Church existed, as it proved 

 to be, and competent therefore to speak with a wiser and more 

 impressive authority. 



Indeed, it is remarkable — considering how much Dr. Smith had 

 had to do with the making as I suppose of the Proposed Book, 

 how much time he bestowed upon fitting it for the press, and how 

 desirous apparently he was of seeing it introduced into general 

 use, that so soon as he perceived that it was not universally ac- 

 ceptable, he went right to work, without the least amour propre 

 d'aittcur, or the least tenacity to preconceived wishes, to make such 

 a work as would be acceptable to all. He thus writes to Dr. West, 

 one of the clergy of his own State, who obviously had net been 

 well satisfied with the Book. It tends to disprove the allegation 

 which in his lifetime was sometimes made against him that he 

 was unreasonable and dictatorial, and impatient of any opposition 

 to his views or wishes. It is quite true that he did not " suffer 

 fools gladly " even though he himself was wise. But where he 

 was dealing with men of sense no one was more patient or more 

 open to conviction. The following is the letter to Dr. West : 



Dr. Smith to Dr. West 



Chester, Kent County, June 16, 17S9. 



De.\r Sir: I beg that you may not forget to give me your whole and 

 unreserved sentiments and advice respecting our Church affairs, and 

 every alteration, amendment or reservation respecting our Prayer Book, 

 which you judge will tend most towards peace and uniformity, and a 

 general acquiescence — nay, a cordial and pious acceptance and use of 

 the book. Yours, etc., Wu.liam S^UTH. 



The Rev. Dr. West. 



