The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1858-09-03


Preacher," whom William Writ has
immortalized in his British Spy, is from
DR.. Sprague's Annals. Mrs DR.. Alexander,
rs many Of oar readers probably know, was
the daughter Of Dr. Waddcll.
Princeton, October l6, 1857.
ReV. and Dear SRI do not know
that | have much to add concerning d..
Wad'cll to what has already been publish
ed. | may say, however, that he was as
eloquent in private conversation as in the
pulpit. He was very communicative, and,
in the company Of young persons, would go
on Tor quarter or somtimcs half an hour
IN the most aninating and delightful dis
course; and, on the subject of practical and
experimental religion, those dscourses were
most edifying. l never heard him preach
but once, and that was when lie was perfect
~ blind. The subject was the "Parable of
the Pbarisee and the Publican" This pas
sage OF Scripture was repeated by him with
perfect accuracy, and the discourse was
mastery. The description of the Pharisee
was striking, and, in some respects, new to
me; as he exhibited him according 10 the
character which he had among the people.
who had no suspicion of his hypocrisy, but
venerated him as a man Of superior sanctity
and elevated devotion. His manner was
not harsh, but animated. This was the
case in all his conversation. Whenever he
d'scoursed on any subject, he entered into it
with his whole soul. Even on metaphysi-
Cal subjects he spoke with uncommon ardor.
He was a man Of most affectionate dis
position, and in his treatment of strangers
was remarkably courteous. In the express
sion OF his own opinions he was as free and
independent as any man ever knew.
Whatever sentiments Eo entertained he
would express with perfect freedom, on all
occasions, however they might differ from
those Of the persons with whom he conversed.
In his person he was tall and very slender.
At home he wore a white cap; in the pull.
was the custom Of the clergy in his day.
The most remarkable specimen of his elo-
quence which ever heard was in a speech
delivered in the small church near his own
house. The case was this-a clergyman, a
member of the Presbytery OF Hanover, had
been malclousIy prosecuted, as believe,
by two Of his own elders. FL was man
of great scnsibili,y to anything Which touch
ed the purity Of bis moral character, and
this accusation produced in him degree
Of anguish inlescribable. Though unani.
rnously acquitted, yet the idea Of being
charged with base crime affected him
much; and, as he Scared that the decision
of tbs Presbytery might no. bs known to
all who had hear'l the accusation, lie took
pains to procure copy Of the proceedings,
signed by the Moderator and Clerk.
To this paper he attached '.",ain severe
remarks on the malignity O. IS accusers,
mentioning them by name. his laid the
foundation for charge Of forgery, as this
had the appearance Of being entirely an ex-
tract from the records Of Presbytery. 1t
was on this second accusation that Dr..
Wadde!l made the speech in defence of this
clergyman. An intelligent elder present,
who did not agree in opinion with DR..
Waddell, and who had heard several of
Patrick Henry's most celebrated speeches
in criminal cases, declared that this was the
nc MmostPsrfyct specimen Of eloquence which
tte eyer heard. I.had heard, MIR. Henry on
one occasion, and my opinion was, that Mr..
Henrs's oratory was better adapted to pro-
duce its effect on the great body of the peo-
pie, and Dr.. Waddell's better suited to per-
sons Of refinement and eduation. You
know that all attempts to describe oratory
are vain-it must be heard to be under
stood.
James Madison, President of United
States, lived about seven or eight miles from
the small church before mentioned, and
frequently attended there with bis mother,
who was an emipcntly pious lady, and, as
long as she was able to attend, communi-
cant in Mr.. Waddell's Titles church. Mr..
Madison often visited DR.. Waddell in his
own home, and sometimes consulted him ih
matters relating to the welfare Of the coun-
try. James Barbour, Governor of Virginia,
sass in early life TIE pupil Of Dr*Waddelk
and while hesl sliEsd, &cherishsaand expressed
the highest admiration Of lis eIoqasa,idSs.
shosAE before his adessh, hstold an a1p man, saa
Phys1eianin PhasdsIphia that Dr.W Wsdael,
had spoiled sbim-i i6regsrd to hearing other
preachers. Philip Barbour, Justice Of the
Supreme Federal Court, bgo.her of ths
former, entertsined the sape ;seniments,ok
sdmitations Yet while his preaching was
- greatly admired ! BY the intelligest and
refined, II: did no.ss4slty Attract, aud move
ths alisarate d igiasSrant. Often sach;
world sraeaiihgan edueatsd sala;psr..
xssxflsst. r, + xrff so, ~ os,sf..E