s open to a
professorship in the learned languages. On him the public eye was
fixed. He undertook the duties, and entered the career of more
splendid services in the republic of letters. His solicitude and
labors were devoted to the institution, during its infantile state
embarrassed by the Revolutionary war. He alleviated the burdens of the
reverend founder of this establishment; and administered comfort and
solace to him in his declining days.

"'From that period in 1779, Dr. Smith continued indefatigable in
mental applications; faithful in the discharge of official duties; and
active for the interest of the society, through scenes of trouble and
adversity. The board of Trustees elected him a member of their body.
The church at the college, founded by my predecessor, intrusted with
him, as pastor, their spiritual concerns, and were prospered under his
prudent and pious care. God blessed his labors; a golden harvest
reminds us of the last. To the force of his various exertions, under
Divine Providence, justice demands that we ascribe much in the rise
and splendor of this establishment.

"'While surveying the circle of knowledge, and justly estimating the
relative importance of its different branches, still his eye was more
fixed on classical science; and his attachment seemed to concentrate
the force of genius in developing the nature of language, and the
principles of the learned tongues, on which the modern so much depend
for their perfection. The Latin, the Greek, and the Hebrew, were
almost as familiar to him as his native language. He clearly
comprehended the Samaritan and Chaldaic; and far extended his
researches in the Arabic.

"'The eminent attainments of Dr. Smith in the knowledge of the
languages are attested by multitudes, scattered in the civilized
world, who enjoyed his instruction. They will be attested, in future
times, by his Latin Grammar, published about seven years ago; and by
his Hebrew Grammar, which has since appeared. In each of these works,
in a masterly manner, he treats of every matter proper for the student
to know. Each subject is displayed, in a new method, with perspicuity,
conciseness, simplicity, and classic taste. His Greek Grammar, we may
suppose, will exhibit the same traits, when it shall meet the public
eye. This last labor he had finished, and committed to the printer a
few months before his decease.[39]

[39] It was afterward published and much approved.

"'If we turn