7 South Charlotte Street
Edinburgh
21st December 1869
My Dear Professor Schaarschmidt,
I am sure I may count on your aid in a matter very important to me. The Professorship of Hebrew & Exegesis in the Free Church College at Aberdeen is at present vacant, and tho’ the fact that I shall not be a Licentiate till spring prevents me from coming forward as a Candidate for the post, a number of friends in the Church including some of our Theological Professors have determined on the rather unusual course of bringing my name forward. The Election is not till May: before that time I shall be a Licentiate and eligible. At present I can do nothing in my own name at home, but my friends have formed themselves into a Committee and have taken the thing into their own hands. However they cannot get certificates from Germany so I must apply in Person to you, Professor Kamphausen, Prof. Ritschl &c.
You know that elections with us are in great measure ruled by certificates. This is especially the case with a chair like that now vacant which is always likely to be filled by a young man. Now could you let me have a certificate stating anything you can say in my favour, e.g. as to my acquaintance with German Science especially in Theology & Philosophy, my general attainments and in general anything that occurs to you. We regard Philosophy as so important for a Theologian that a certificate from you would have great weight. And in O.T. Exegesis psychological knowledge should surely be an advantage. I shall write to night to Prof. Kamphausen. I do not know what prospect I have of getting a certificate from him. Might I ask you perhaps to see him and add to my letter the weight of your recommendation. I would like also to consult you as to the possibility of getting a testimonial from Dr Lange[2] . I was in his class, but knew him so slightly that I hardly like to apply to him. You will perhaps be able to judge if he would say anything for me. Might I ask you to speak to him on the subject if you think it would be worth while.
I hope to be able to send you in a day or two a paper on “Hegel & Newton” from the Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, on which I should value your opinion.
I mean to ask Professor Ritschl for a testimonial & I hope he may see his way to give me one. My most formidable opponent[3] has abundant German Testimonials but all from Erlangen Theologians. I should wish something from men of a higher School. But for our Church say nothing against Erlangen![4]
After all, my hopes of success are not high as my position is against me. But even a failure may help for next time.
With kindest regards to Mrs Schaarschmidt, Fritz & Hetta and best wishes
I am
Yours very truly
Wm Robertson Smith
P.S. I read a very favourable notice of your book on Spinoza in the last number of the Academy.
[1] ULB Bonn Autographensammlung
[2] Lange, Johann Peter: (1802–1894), German Reformed theologian and exeget, he taught at the universities of Zurich and Bonn. A prolific writer, Lange’s Theologische-homiletisches Bibelwerk was later edited and translated by Philip Schaff into 25 English volumes under the title A Commentary on the Holy Scriptures.
[3] Stewart Salmond.
[4] WRS’s rather unfair comment here is perhaps a sign of overwork and strain at this time.