SMITH. 557 1699, and was soon after admitted into the privy council. He died at Bath, in October 1720. Prior to his decease, he printed four sermons, and was the author of five papers in the Philosophical Transactions. SIR MICHAEL SMITH, BART. Was a member of the Irish bar, and attained ultimately the highest rank of professional dignity. He was born of a respectable family in the King's County; and at an early age entered the university of Dublin, where he obtained, by his genius and application, eminent distinction in clas sical and scientific acquirements. From college he pro ceeded to the Temple, London ; and, after the usual quarantine of five years, he was called to the Irish bar in 1769, and although, added to his talents and other attain ments, possessed of a respectable portion of legal know ledge, yet he remained, like many of his fellow-candidates for professional success, long unnoticed. The buoyancy of his abilities in time bore him to the surface, and he floated on by a gradual progress to eminent success. Mr. Smith was of a character not adapted to the bust ling executive of life. His deportment was calm, gentle, and unassuming; and he won his way by means not usually considered promising with men of the world, by modesty and merit, sustained by feelings and principles which would not submit to any conduct incompatible with delicacy and honour. In 1783, he became a member of the House of Com mons, and continued in parliament till 1794; and no man ever more eminently attracted the respect and esteem of both sides of the House. He maintained a steady, honourable, and independent course, neither looking to party nor promotion; but was at a l l times ready t o resist with firmness any encroachment o n the constitution, whether b y the crown o r i t s opponents. As a public speaker his manner was frigidity itself; but his arguments were impressive, and his style was elegantly
