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James Alexander Smyth (1800-1873)

Database

James Alexander Smyth (1800-1873)

James Dodson

Biographical Sketch

Mr. James Smyth was born at Cardougan, in the bounds of the congregation of Ballylaggan, in the month of March (we have not been able to ascertain the precise day), 1800. As his death took place on the 29th of December, 1873, he was at the time in the 74th year of his age. He was baptized by the Rev. Joseph Orr, his predecessor in the pastorate of Drimbolg. His mother’s maiden name was Margaret M‘Millan. His father, Alexander Smyth, is described as having been a man eminent for piety and faith, who literally walked with God. As James was the younger of two sons by a second marriage, the elder being called Joseph, his father was accustomed to give him the fondling name of his “little Benjamin.“ He was early dedicated to the ministry of the gospel. The father died during James’ session at the college, but, as he was about to leave home, his father (then confined to his bed), called him to his bedside, and, with earnest prayers for the divine blessing upon him, dedicated him anew to the ministry. This could not fail of making a solemn and lasting impression upon the youth, nor can we suppose that the dying prayers of such a parent would be left fruitless of result in his subsequent life. His preparatory classical education he had from the Rev. James Bryce, of Killeague; a man to whom many ministers have stood indebted for their knowledge of Latin and Greek. Mr. Smyth’s studies in arts were prosecuted in the Royal Belfast Academical Institution, where he occupied a very respectable position in all his classes, and in some, we are informed, stood at the head. Theology, he studied in Paisley, under Dr. Andrew Symington. He received license to preach 4th May, 1824; and, after having preached with great acceptance in various congregations of the church, a call was presented to him from Drimbolg on the 20th March, 1827, which he accepted, and he was ordained there on the 26th June, of the same year. The first sermon he delivered after his ordination was from the words, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.” The last time he officiated in public was in delivering a table address at the dispensation of the Lord’s Supper, in his own church, in May, 1869—so that he was for a period of forty-two years in the active discharge of the duties of the ministry, or, dating from his license, forty-five. In 1834 he was Moderator of Synod.

Works:

Featured
A PASTORAL ADDRESS
A PASTORAL ADDRESS

1854-James Smyth.-This sermon, given with reference to the recent act of covenant renovation amongst the Irish Reformed Presbyterian Church, is an interesting production for several reasons. First, it gives a short history which helps us to understand the relation of the Irish Covenanters to the Reformed Presbyterian movement at large. Second, it contains a very good and concise outline of the doctrine of public social covenanting. Third, it shows an awareness of the moral obligation of covenants upon posterity. This is a good place to begin reading to gain insight into the distinctive principles of the Reformed Presbyterian Church.