But, in spite of occasional difficulties of this description, which were always faced and overcome with invincible good-humour, Sydney Smith's fifteen years at Foston were happily and profitably spent. He was in the fulness of his physical and intellectual vigour. He said of himself, "I am a rough writer of Sermons," but his energy in delivering them awoke the admiration of his sturdy flock.--
"When I began to thump the cushion of my pulpit, on first coming to Foston, as is my wont when I preach, the accumulated dust of a hundred and fifty years made such a cloud, that for some minutes I lost sight of my congregation."[70]
His Bible-class for boys was affectionately remembered sixty years afterwards.[71] By his constant contributions to the _Edinburgh_, he was both helping forward the great causes in which he most earnestly believed, and establishing his own fame. Good health, cheerfulness, and contentment reigned in the Rectory, which might well have been called "A Temple of Industrious Peace."[72]
In spite of some small irregularities and oddities in the furniture of the house and the arrangements of the establishment--all of which the Rector habitually and humorously exaggerated--the Rectory was an extremely comfortable home. It was so constructed as to be full of air, light, and warmth. The Rector said of it:--
"We are about equal to a second-rate inn, as Mrs. Sydney says; but I think myself we are equal to any inn on the North Road, except Ferrybridge."
The larder of this "second-rate inn" was pleasantly supplied by the kindness of faithful friends.
"I am very much obliged to you for sending me the pheasants. One of my numerous infirmities is a love of eating pheasants."--"Many thanks for two fine Gallicia hams; but, as for boiling them in _wine_, I am not as yet high enough in the Church for that; so they must do the best they can in water."--"Lord Tankerville has sent me a whole buck; this necessarily takes up a good deal of my time. Venison is an interesting subject, which is deemed among the clergy a professional one."--"Your grouse are not come by this day's mail, but I suppose they will come to-morrow. Even the rumour of grouse is agreeable."--"Lord Lauderdale has sent me two hundred and thirty pounds of salt fish."--"You have no idea what a number of handsome things were said of you when your six partridges were consumed to-day. Wit, literature, and polished manners were ascribed to you--some good quality for each bird."--"What is real piety? What is true attachment to the Church? How are these fine feelings best evinced? The answer is plain--by sending strawberries to a clergyman. Many thanks."