Smith, William
, a learned English divine and translator, was the son of the rev. Richard Smith, rector of AllSaints, and minister of St. Andrew, both in Worcester,
who died in 1726. He was born at Worcester in 1711,
and educated at the grammar-school of that city. In 1728
he was admitted of New-college, Oxford, where he proceeded B. A. in 1732, M. A. in 1737, and D. D. in 1758.
In 1735 he was presented by his patron, James earl of
Derby, in whose family he was reader, to the rectory of
Trinity-church, Chester, and by his son and successor’s
interest, whose chaplain he was, to the deanery of Chester
in 1753. He held the mastership of Brentwood-school in
Essex for one year, 1748; and in 1753 was nominated by
the corporation of Liverpool one of the ministers of St.
George’s church there, which he resigned in 1767. With
his deanery he held the parish churches of Handley and
Trinity, but in 1780 resigned the last for the rectory of
West Kirkby. He died Jan. 12, 1787. His character is
thus briefly drawn by his biographer: “He was tall and
genteel; his voice was strong, clear, and melodious; he
spoke Latin fluently, and was complete master not only of
the Greek but Hebrew language; his mind was so replete
with knowledge, that he was a living library; his manner of
address was graceful, engaging, and delightful; his sermons
were pleasing, informing, convincing; his memory, even in
age, was wonderfully retentive, and his conversation was polite, affable, and in the highest degree improving.” He is
known in the learned world, chiefly by his valuable translations of “Longinus on the Sublime,” 1739, 8vo, which went
through four editions, the last of which, with the frontispiece
designed by Dr. Wall of Worcester, is said to be the best;
“Thucydides,” 1753, 2 vols. 4to, reprinted in 1781, 8vo;
“Xenophon’s History of the Affairs of Greece,” 1770, 4to.
In 1782 he published “Nine Sermons on the Beatitudes,”
8vo, very elegantly written. In 1791, appeared “The
Poetic Works of the rev. William Smith, D. D. late dean
of Chester; with some account of the life and writings of
the Author. By Thomas Crane, minister of the parish
church of St. Olave in Chester, &c.” This work we have
not seen, and for the account of Dr. Smith’s life we are
indebted to a review of it in the Gent. Mag. 1
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Works found by this author (or others with similar names) in the Early English Books Online Collection:
The lying spirit in the mouth of the false prophet made made manifest, who seeks to pervert the right way of the Lord, and openth his mouth against the lord of life, and denies his light within, as appeareth in a book, entituled, The doctrine of the light within ... set forth by ... Henock Hovvet ... Some things therein being here answered in the light of the Lord ... Declared in the movings of the Lord for the truths sake, and that all deceit might be made manifest. / By one who is a lover of all those who love truth in the inward part. W. S. (1658) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
The reign of the whore discovered and her ruine seen her merchants the priests examined, and with the Romish church (their elder sister) compared and found agreeable in many things ... : some queries also for those people that pay tythes, and priests that receive tythes, to consider and answer : and whereas their cry hath been loud against us the people of God called Quakers, that we are Jesuits, and Jesuitical, in tryal they are found false accusers, and of the same stock and generation themselves ... : also the sustance of a dispute which was the 15th day of the 2d month, called April 1659, at the Bridge-house in Southwark, between VVilliam Cooper, VVilliam VVhitaker, Thomas VVoodsworth, VVieles, Watkins, Cradicut, and others who profess themselves ministers of Christ, and some of the people call'd Quakers ... / written in that which gives to see over all the popish train ... W.S. (1659) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
Some queries propounded to this professing generation the people called Baptists, or any of the professors upon the earth for them to answer, and heedfully to weigh and consider (1659) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
The ravenous beast discovered and the devourer pursued in a short account truly stated for the unjust proceedings and cruel dealings by Dove Williamson, priest of Elton in the county of Nottingham, against William Claytor of the same town / [by] William Smith. (1659) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
The day-spring from on high visiting the world, or, Gods salvation revealed and the way of redemption declared, and the way opened into the everlasting rest also the two births discovered and their several image, and the enmity that is betwixt them : with the lambs appearance in glory and his power and government exalted / by William Smith. (1659) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
A tender visitation of the Fathers love, to all the elect-children, or, An epistle unto the righteous congregations who in the light are gathered, and are worshippers of the Father in spirit and truth, to be read amongst them in the pure fear of the Lord God, when they are assembled and met together in his name / by Wlliam Smith. (1660) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
The morning-watch, or, A spiritual glass opened wherin a clear discovery is made of that which lies in darknesse, from whence wars, contentions, and destructions do arise concerning a professed religion, with a few words of tender counsel unto the Pope, prelate, presbyter, independent & baptist, &c. ... / by ... William Smith. (1660) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
To the present authority or heads of the nation of England this among others is my testimony which for the Lord is given, as well to them that were in authority as to the suffering seed which hath layen under and suffered hitherto by both those powers. (1660) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
An holy kiss of peace, sent from the seed of life, greeting all the lambs and little ones with a tender salutation with a few words, entituled, relief sent forth into the camp of Israel. (1660) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
Something written concerning the worlds creed, or, What they teach their children to believe for a belief of words cannot save the soul, but a belief in the light, Christ Jesus, the word of God ... (1660) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
Sweet oyle poured forth through the horn of salvation, and is freely sent abroad to search the wounded spirits, and to relieve the weak and feeble travellers (1660) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
A short testimony on the behalf of truths innocency declared in plainesse and simplicity : being done at the command of the Lord God that all out of the truth may see their way and proceed no further : vvith a discovery of the national ministry, whose time now is, and is no more / by one who loves truth and rightousnesse and desires the nations peace, and the good of all people, who amongst many brethren is called a Quaker, but known by the name of William Smith. (1660) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
The true light shining in England, to give unto all her inhabitants the knowledge of their ways wherein they may behold things past, and things that are, and thereby come to repentance, and escape that which is to come : also, something demonstrated concerning the people of God (called Quakers) as to their principle and practice ... / William Smith. (1660) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
A Christian life manifested wherein is shewed who they are which follow the lamb in meekness and patience. (1661) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
The banner of love, under which the Royal Army is preserved, and safely conducted being a clear and perfect way out of wars & contentions : with a short testimony unto the way of peace, given forth for the edification and comfort of all that truly fear God / written by ... William Smith. (1661) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
The nevv-creation brought forth, in the holy order of life wherein the immortal birth is revealed, and the precious pearl, out of the mixture extracted ... / from ... William Smith. (1661) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
The cause plainly shewed of the persecution which is now upon the innocent people called Quakers and here is also a true declaration of their just and honest intentions, and in this all moderate people may see the ground of their sufferings / by William Smith. (1661) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
Christendoms call to repentance who is adulterated and gone out from the life of her maker, and gone into the spiritual whoredoms, from the life which was among the apostles, which, with the light, is seen and made manifest, which now shineth, that comes from the VVord which was in the beginning, before whom all things are bare and naked and nothing can be hid / by W.S. (1661) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
A catechism for bishops, deans, prebends, doctors, vicars, curates, and all prelaticals, for them to read in the fear of the Lord God, and with a meek and quiet spirit by William Smith. (1662) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
The spirit of envy, lying, and persecution made manifest for the sake of the simple hearted, that they may not be deceived by it : being an answer to a scandalous paper of John Harwoods, who in words professeth God, but in his works doth deny Him, as may appear by what is herein written / G.F. (1663) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
Liberty of conscience pleaded by several weighty reasons on the behalf of the people of God called Quakers and also on behalf of others whose consciences are tender towards God : with a tender message of love unto the King / written by William Smith. (1663) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
A manifestation of prayer in formality, and prayer in the spirit of God. (1663) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
Gospel-tydings wherein is shewed what the Gospel administration was, the apostacy from it, and the restauration into it again : being a message of true and unfeigned love ... / [by] W.S. (1663) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
The standing truth in which may be seen how every ones house is ordered and how their families are provided and what peace they have in their dwellings and whether they be Christians or infidels ... also a narrative of the some unjust and cruel dealings by William Pocklington of North Collington ... against William Smith of Besthorp ... / which are published in love to all people by William Smith. (1663) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
A message from the Spirit of Truth unto all the world let all that pant come, and all that thirst come, and all that mourn come, for the Lord waits to shew mercy / by William Smith. (1663) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
The work of Gods power in man with something that the spirit of truth leads to practise, and what it leads to deny ... / W.S. (1663) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
A manifestation of the love of God unto all such as are convinced of truth and do not obey it. (1663) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
An epistle from the spirit of love and peace, unto all the upright Israelites, who are born of the seed that is blessed for evermore with some things opened concerning the two seeds : to be read amongst Friends, when in the fear of God they are met together in the same spirit, that thereby the whole body may be edified, and comforted, and all in one life, perfectly established for ever : this is only to goe amongst Friends, and not otherwise / W.S. (1663) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
Liberty of conscience pleaded by several weighty reasons on the behalf of the people of God called Quakers and also, on the behalf of others whose consciences are tender towards God : with a tender message of love unto the King / written by William Smith. (1663) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
A real demonstration of the true order in the spirit of God and of the ground of all formality & idolatry, with a few words unto such as are concerned in it. (1663) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
A short manifestation of the main end of outward government. (1664) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
A free flowing of the father's love to the heirs of the kingdom, with all that are seeking the peace and righteousness of it (1664) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
A true, short, impartial relation, containing the substance of the proceedings at the assize held the 12th and 13th day of the moneth called August, 1664, at the town of Hertford (Orlando Bridgman being judge) chiefly with and against nine prisoners called Quakers : as it was then noted and observed first in short-writing, and now made publick, partly to prevent various reports, and partly to inform people of the illegal proceedings of the said court against the prisoners aforesaid, eight of which were sentenced to be transported beyond the seas, there to remain for seven years / W.S. (1664) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
A second relation from Hertford containing the unjust proceedings of some called justice there at the general quarter sessions, upon the tryal of one and twenty innocent persons called Quakers for a pretended breach of the late act, with an account of the most material passages between the prisoners and the court, the 3d, 4th, and 5th dayes of the 8th moneth, 1664 : whereby it appears that meeting to worship God in spirit and truth is the great crime for which they are under so grievous a sentence, and that whatever is pretended by those that love the title of justice, yet in very deed they hate justice it self, as by their proceedings appears / by W.S. (1664) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
The glory of the new covenant (1664) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
Innocency and conscientiousness of the Quakers asserted and cleared from the evil surmises, false aspersions, and unrighteous suggestions of Judge Keeling expressed in his speech made the seventh of the seventh month at the sessions-house in the Old-Baily ... : wherein also is shewed that this law doth not concern them, they being no seditious sectaries, nor contrivers of insurrections, nor evil-doers, therefore no just law is against them. (1664) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
A few plain words concerning conformity in matter of religion and worship and also concerning evidence and judgment in cases of conscience : published to all magistrates, juror's and people, within the nation of England. (1664) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
Some clear truths particularly demonstrated unto the King and council, and both houses of Parliament with all judges, justices, merchants, and shipmasters, why the innocent and peaceable people, called Quakers, ought not to be banished out of their native land, or any other way exposed to sufferings : also, the law described in its nature and end : with a postscript to all honest, sober, and impartial jurors / by W.S. (1664) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
Joyfull tidings to the begotten of God in all with a few words of counsel unto Friends concerning marriage / W.S. (1664) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
A briefe answer unto a book intituled Shetinah, or, A demonstration of the divine presence in places of religious worship published by Iohn Stillingfleet, who stiles himself M.A. rector of Beckingham in Lincoln-shire, and late fellow of St. Iohns Colledge in Cambridge. In which book he hath declared many perverse things against the people of God (called Quakers,) and for so much as is considerable, wherein that people are any way concerned, it is in the power of God here answered, by one who is set for the defence of the Gospel, William Smith. (1664) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
Some queries proposed to the bishops and ministers of England, for them, or any of them, to answer that there may be an understanding why persecution is so violently prosecuted / [by] W.S. (1664) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
To all the faithfull in Christ Jesus (1665) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
A new catechism wherein many truths are plainly opened by way of question and answer which may be a help and furtherance unto all tender hearted people who are breathing after the Lord and waits for redemption and salvation by Jesus Christ : also something concerning the foundation and principle of the poor afflicted people of God (called Quakers) and of their faith and love towards God and their good will unto men, being also plainly demonstrated by way of question and answer : given forth in the labour of love and put to view for the service of this present generation and also generations to come / William Smith. (1665) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
A new primmer, wherein is demonstrated the new and living way held forth by way of question and answer, as from a child's enquiry after truth, to be informed by the father. Here being divers particulars answer'd, and plainly opened, that may be profitable both in this present age, and ages to come. Published for the benefit of all sorts of people, and may be very serviceable for every family, and of great use for young children to learn in, so soon as they can understand their language, that they in the fear of God may be instructed, and remember their creator in the dayes of their youth. For which I travel, enduring affliction for the truths sake, William Smith. (1665) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
An epistle to Friends. (1667) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
A general summons from the authority of truth, unto all ecclesiastical courts and officers wherein they may see what truth objecteth against their practice and proceedings in cases of conscience / by William Smith. (1668) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
Univeral love In which a visitation floweth through the creation, that all people may be informed into the truth, and in their several places come to walk in the truth, and live in the truth, to be a good favour unto God, and honour God. 1. To parents of children. 2. To masters and dames of families. 3. To servants in their places. 4. To aged people. 5. To such as live a single life. 6. To young people. 7. To children. 8. To such as are in outward government. 9. To ministers of parishes, so called. 10. To such as practise in the nations law. 11. To such as trade in wights and measures. 12. To such as buy and sell in the markets or in any other places. With a general exhortation. Also something concerning faith, and hope, and love, and the word, and mans restless part, and the election, and a particular place of bondage opened. ... William Smith. (1668) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
A few words unto a particular people (1669) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
The everlasting truth exalted being a plain testimony unto the manifestations, growth and prosperity of truth : also some dangers opened and discovered in the not receiving truth, or having received it, departing from it : also a short testimony unto gospel meetings and fellowship ... / William Smith. (1669) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
A spiritual prospective glass Through which the rulers and people of England, may plainly see those things which concerns their peace. Being a manifestation from the Spirit of God, in love to all people. By one that desires the prosperity of truth, and the peace of the nation. W.Smith. (1670) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
A epistle to the flock of Christ being a heavenly portion distributed from th[e] love of God. (1670) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
An epistle to all the called and chosen of God by William Smith. (1672) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
The Baptists sophistry discovered in a brief answer to a late pamphlet entituled The Quakers subterfuge or evasion overturned : wherein all people may plainly see ... / by William Smith. (1673) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
The wisdom of the earthly wife confounded, or, A manifestation of the spirits of some envious professors who are ready to prefer the hireling priests works of darkness, whose works are against the revelation and coming of Christ in spirit, as their fore-fathers works of cruelty and murder were against him in the dayes of his flesh, as may be seen at large in the scriptures of truth ... this was chiefly occasioned by some nonconformists promoting the works of darkness of a conformist (or chief priest of Warsick-shire, called, Thomas Willson, in his book, ... who slanderously charges the people called Quakers to be false interpreters of the Holy Scriptures) wherein is something of answer to such as have any true tenderness left in them, and would receive the truth if they knew it, but its like to the hard-hearted, stubborn and rebellious (like those, Matth. 27.25. who said, his blood be upon us and upon our children) it will be foolishness, as is the preaching of the cross to them that perish ... / by William Smith. (1679) by Smith, William, d. 1673.
The great duty of public worship, and of erecting and setting apart proper places for that purpose. A sermon, preached in St. Peter's Church, Philadelphia. On Friday, September 4th, 1761. Being the day appointed for the first performance of Divine worship in said church. : To which is prefixed, an account of the whole service used on that occasion. : Published at the desire of the church-wardens and vestry. / By William Smith, D.D. Provost of the College and Academy of Philadelphia. ; [Four lines from I. Kings] by Smith, William, 1727-1803.
Indian songs of peace: with a proposal, in a prefatory epistle, for erecting Indian schools. And a postscript by the editor, introducing Yariza, an Indian maid's letter, to the principal ladies of the province and city of New-York. / By the author of the American fables. ; [Two lines from Virgil with two line translation] by Smith, William, 1727-1803.
A sermon, on temporal and spiritual salvation: delivered in Christ-Church, Philadelphia, before the Pennsylvania Society of the Cincinnati. / By William Smith, D.D. provost of the College and Academy of Philadelphia. ; Prepared and published at the request of the society. by Smith, William, 1727-1803.
Some thoughts on education: with reasons for erecting a college in this province, and fixing the same at the city of New-York: : to which is added, a scheme for employing masters or teachers in the mean time: and also for raising and endowing an edifice in an easy manner. The whole concluding, with a poem: being a serious address to the House of Representatives. : [Ten lines of quotation in Latin] by Smith, William, 1727-1803.
An Exercise, containing a dialogue and ode sacred to the memory of His Late Gracious Majesty, George II. Performed at the public commencement in the College of Philadelphia, May 23d, 1761. : The ode written and set to music by Francis Hopkinson, Esq; M.A. in said college. by Smith, William, 1727-1803.
Some account of the charitable corporation, lately erected for the relief of the widows and children of clergymen, in the communion of the Church of England in America; with a copy of their charters, and fundamental rules. : And also a sermon, preached in Christ-Church, Philadelphia, October 10, 1769, before the said corporation, on occasion of their first meeting. / By William Smith, D.D. provost of the College and Academy of Philadelphia. ; Published, by order, for the benefit of the charity. by Smith, William, 1727-1803.
An Historical account of the rise, progress and present state of the canal navigation in Pennsylvania. With an appendix, containing, abstracts of the acts of the Legislature since the year 1790, and their grants of money for improving roads and navigable waters throughout the state; to which is annexed, "an explanatory map." / Published by direction of the president and managers of the Schuylkill and Susquehanna, and the Delaware and Schuylkill Navigation Companies. ; [Twenty two lines of verse] by Smith, William, 1727-1803.
A sermon preached in Christ-Church, Philadelphia, (for the benefit of the poor) by appointment of and before the general communication of Free and Accepted Masons of the state of Pennsylvania, on Monday December 28, 1778. Celebrated, agreeable to their constitution, as the anniversary of St. John the Evangelist. / By William Smith, D.D. provost of the College and Academy of Philadelphia. by Smith, William, 1727-1803.
Additions to Plain truth; addressed to the inhabitants of America, containing, further remarks on a late pamphlet, entitled Common sense: wherein, are clearly and fully shewn, that American independence, is as illusory, ruinous, and impracticable, as a liberal reconciliation with Great Britain, is safe, honorable, and expedient. / Written by the author of Plain truth. ; [Six lines of quotation] by Smith, William, 1727-1803.
Personal affliction and frequent reflection upon human life, of great use to lead man to the remembrance of God. A sermon, preach'd on Sunday Sept. 1, 1754, in Christ-Church, Philadelphia; occasioned by the death of a beloved pupil, who departed this life, August 28, 1754, in the 16th year of his age. / By W. Smith, M.A. Professor of philosophy in the Academy of Philadelphia. by Smith, William, 1727-1803.
A general idea of the College of Mirania; with a sketch of the method of teaching science and religion, in the several classes: and some account of its rise, establishment and buildings. Address'd more immediately to the consideration of the trustees nominated, by the Legislature, to receive proposals, &c. relating to the establishment of a college in the province of New-York. : [Three lines of quotations in Latin] by Smith, William, 1727-1803.
A sermon on the present situation of American affairs. Preached in Christ-Church, June 23, 1775. At the request of the officers of the Third Battalion of the city of Philadelphia and district of Southwark. / By William Smith, D.D. Provost of the college in that city. by Smith, William, 1727-1803.
An historical account of the expedition against the Ohio Indians, in the year 1764. Under the command of Henry Bouquet, Esq: colonel of foot, and now brigadier general in America. : Including his transactions with the Indians, relative to the delivery of their prisoners, and the preliminaries of peace. : With an introductory account of the preceeding campaign, and battle at Bushy-Run. : To which are annexed military papers, containing reflections on the war with the savages; a method of forming frontier settlements; some account of the Indian country, with a list of nations, fighting men, towns, distances and different routs. : The whole illustrated with a map and copper-plates. / Published from authentic documents, by a lover of his country. by Smith, William, 1727-1803.
A discourse concerning the conversion of the heathen Americans, and the final propagation of Christianity and the sciences to the ends of the earth. In two parts. Part I. Preached before a voluntary convention of the Episcopal clergy of Pennsylvania, and places adjacent, at Philadelphia, May 2d, 1760; and published at their joint request. Part II. Preached before the trustees, masters and scholars of the College and Academy of Philadelphia, at the first anniversary commencement. / By William Smith, D.D. provost of the said college and academy. by Smith, William, 1727-1803.
The Christian soldier's duty; the lawfulness and dignity of his office; and the importance of the Protestant cause in the British colonies, stated and explained. A sermon, preached April 5, 1757. In Christ-Church, Philadelphia, to the First Battalion of His Majesty's Royal American Regiment; at the request of their colonel and officers. / By William Smith, A.M. provost of the College and Academy of Philadelphia. ; To which is annexed, a prayer on the same occasion. by Smith, William, 1727-1803.
An oration, in memory of General Montgomery, and of the officers and soldiers, who fell with him, December 31, 1775, before Quebec; drawn up (and delivered February 19th, 1776,) at the desire of the Honorable Continental Congress. / By William Smith, D.D. provost of the College and Academy of Philadelphia. ; [Four lines of verse] by Smith, William, 1727-1803.
Plain truth; addressed to the inhabitants of America, containing, remarks on a late pamphlet, entitled Common sense. Wherein are shewn, that the scheme of independence is ruinous, delusive, and impracticable: that were the author's asseverations, respecting the power of America, as real as nugatory; reconcilliation with Great Britain, would be exalted policy: and that circumstanced as we are, permanent liberty, and true happiness, can only be obtained by reconciliation with that kingdom. / Written by Candidus. ; [Three lines of quotations] by Smith, William, 1727-1803.
A poem on visiting the Academy of Philadelphia, June 1753. [Three lines in Latin from Virgil] by Smith, William, 1727-1803.
Four dissertations, on the reciprocal advantages of a perpetual union between Great-Britain and her American colonies: Written for Mr. Sargent's prize-medal. To which (by desire) is prefixed, an eulogium, spoken on the delivery of the medal at the public commencement in the College of Philadelphia, May 20th, 1766. by Smith, William, 1727-1803.
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