Page:The History of the University of Pennsylvania, Wood.djvu/27

Rh time, rendered unpopular with the predominant party, by interfering in those contentions between the legislature and the governors which formed the principal feature in the local politics of the province, he was yet enabled by his talents to command the respect of the public; and in Great Britain, such was the esteem in which he was held, that on a visit he was induced to make to that country, in the year 1759, to escape the resentment of the Pennsylvania legislature, he was received into the highest society, and, at the recommendation of the archbishop of Canterbury and several of the principal bishops, was honoured by the University of Oxford, with the degree of Doctor of Divinity. The circumstance which exposed him to the ill-will of a numerous party at home, secured him the favour of the proprietors and their friends; and by the influence which he possessed in England, he was enabled, at a subsequent period, very materially to promote the interests of the college. His exertions in its favour were indeed such as frequently called forth the decided approbation of the trustees; and though absent on several occasions, and at one time put under arrest by the legislature, his talents and influence were thought so essential to the prosperity of the school, that he was always maintained in his station, and teachers, when necessary, were temporarily employed to supply his place. On the occasion of his arrest, the classes under his care were directed to attend him at his place of confinement. As the events of Dr. Smith's life are intimately connected with the history of the institution over which he presided, we shall have more than one opportunity of again alluding to them, in the details which follow.

The office of vice-provost and rector of the academy, was occupied by the Rev. Dr. Francis Allison. This gentleman