“The object of preaching,” said Sydney Smith, “is constantly to remind mankind of what mankind are constantly forgetting; not to supply the defects of human intelligence, but to fortify the feebleness of human resolutions.” Whatever else Smith was doing with his life, whether a scholar, a tutor, a writer, or a clergyman, he was also a preacher. Moreover, he was a preacher with a remarkable ability to create witty, quotable phrases that carry deeper meaning. He published satirical letters under the pen name Peter Plymley, protesting the unequal treatment of Roman Catholics. As an Anglican minister, Smith was well loved by all the people of his parish for supporting their practical needs as well as their spiritual. Smith kept up an extensive correspondence with various political figures throughout his life and was a tireless advocate of religious freedom.
The Works of Sydney Smith brings the wit and wisdom of Sydney Smith into your Logos library. Scripture passages appear on mouseover. Illustrate your sermon using Smith’s brilliant turns of phrase. Jump to these quotable phrases with a click using Logos’ powerful search tools.
