354 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF THE [^792 



prevailed, and do now prevail, and which the preachers of the Gospel 

 are called by St. Paul to contend against. And he has taught us how 

 and with what weapons to contend, in his Epistle to Titus, which im- 

 mediately follows those to Timothy. It is indeed a beautiful and 

 luminous, although a short, epistle, teaching the doctrines to be 

 preached concerning civil and ecclesiastical affairs, order and submis- 

 sion in society; wliich, if they could prevail, would do away all the 

 disorders and iniquities which he had enumerated above. The preacher 

 then quotes largely from the Epistle to Titus. Such Epistles as those to 

 Timothy and Titus, read as Dr. Smith could read them, were deeply 

 impressive sermons. He proceeds : 



Although my years — but not the station, which I have chosen to hold 

 in the church during the short remaining span of my life — might entitle 

 me to address you in the character of Paul to Timothy, or of a father to 

 a son, in the Gospel of Christ; yet, as that is not necessary, after ad- 

 dressing you as above, in the Apostle's own words, respecting all that 

 he tliought necessary to give in charge to one of the first primitive 

 bishops, consecrated by himself, under the authority committed to him 

 by Jesus Christ; yet 1 know you will bear to be reminded, or rather 

 forewarned, of many incidental obstructions, which, from the state of 

 things in the present evil days, you will have to contend against in the 

 discharge of your pastoral duty; and to this you will let me join the 

 fruits of my own experience, and study of the Holy Scriptures, to assist 

 you in your pious labors to struggle against infidelity and to propagate 

 the faith as it is in Christ Jesus, and was " once delivered unto the 

 saints." 



In the discharge, therefore, of your great duty, you are to look be- 

 yond all the authorities and distinctions of men, civil or ecclesiastical ; 

 nay, and beyond the authorities of apostles, or even angels themselves, 

 any further than as you believe, after careful examination, that they 

 assuredly speak by divine inspiration. You will at the same time be 

 careful' to listen to the illuminations of the spirit of grace within you, 

 and to look up steadfastly to the supreme authority of our common 

 Lord and Master, Jesus Christ himself, in whose name St. Paul gave his 

 charges to Timothy and Titus; referring forward to that great day when 

 He, our said Lord Jesus, shall come to judge the world in righteousness, 

 to make up his jewels and establish his universal and everlasting 

 kingdom ! 



Here, then, I might close my notes and descend from the pulpit, 

 being persuaded that nothing more is necessary to be addressed to you, 

 my dear brother and bishop elect, now soon to be set apart for the 

 great office destined you. I shall only add, that your piety and learn- 

 ing in the Scriptures, your exemplary life and diligence in the pastoral 

 office, have been long known to me, long tried and approved in the 

 church and by the public. 



