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Smith, John Pye, D.D., LL.D., F.r.s.

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an eminent English Presbyterian divine, was born in Sheffield, May 25, 1774. He was educated at the Independent Academy at Rotherham, was ordained to the ministry in the Independent Church, and, without entering upon the regular work, he accepted the appointment of resident professor of classical literature and theology in the Theological Seminary at Homerton. Subsequently (in 1815) he became sole professor of divinity, and discharged his duties with acceptability, training hundreds of young men for the ministry. In 1843 he resigned this post and became president of the institution, and again took the chair of classical literature, which he retained until 1850, when New College, St. John's Wood; was formed by the junction of Homerton, Highbury, and Coward colleges. Dr. Smith retired to private life aided by a testimonial fund of $15,000. For forty- three years he was pastor of the celebrated Gravel Pits Chapel, Homerton. He took a great interest in scientific pursuits and was honored by a membership in the Royal and Geological societies. He died at Guildford, Surrey, Feb. 5, 1851. Dr. Smith wrote, The Scripture Testimony to the Messiah (1818-21, 2 vols. 8vo; 1829, 3 vols.; 1837, 3 vols.; 1847, 2 vols.): — Four Discourses on the Sacrifice and Priesthood of Christ (1828, 3d ed. 1847): — Principles of Interpretation as Applied to the Prophecies of Scripture (1829, 2d ed. 1831): — The Relation between Holy Scripture and Some Parts of Geological Science (1839, 8vo; 4th ed. 1848): — Personality and Divinity of the Holy Spirit: — Mosaic Account of the Creation and Deluge: — Manual of Latin Grammar: — Synoptic Tables: — Reasons of the Protestant Religion; besides many sermons, controversial pieces, and reviews. After his death appeared First Lines of Christian Theology, being notes of his lectures to his students (1854, 2d ed. 1860). He was one of the greatest Biblical scholars of his day; and the works above enumerated are full of most valuable criticism and exegesis. See Medway [J.], Memoirs of the Life and Writings of John Pye Smith (1853); Allibone, Dict. of Brit. and Amer. Authors, s.v.