The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-10-20
FoR THE CENTRAL PREsBYrERtAN.
MR.. WILSON as A PRESENTER.


Mr. Wilson found pleasure in being pres
ent at the meetings of the judicatories of the
Church, and was very regular and punctual
in his attendance He seldom went unat-
tended, and the horseback journies across
the Piedmont country, and the mountains,
and rivers, were memorable in their heart
inspiring incidents. Independent in thought
and action, he scrupulOusly respected the
rights of others, of whatever age or standing
in the court. For the first ten or twelve
years of his connexiOn with Winchester
Presbytery subjects of the greatest impor-
tance, besides ordinary business, were under
consideration at every meeting. As the
Presbytery was adjusted, the year he became
a member, and for some years afterward, it
consisted of Nash Legrand, VIM. Hill, VIM.
Williamson, Joseph Glass, John Mines,
Samuel B. Wilson, and John Matthews.
That same year, Moses Hoge, D. D., an
original member of the Presbytery, was re-
moved to Hampden Sidney College, and
consequently entered also on the duties of
Professor of Theology. Legrand in few
years removed to Charlotte county. Addi-
tions were made to the Presbytery from time
to time, till in the space mentioned the num-
Der of members was doubled, and went on
increasing.
Hill, Williamson, Glass, Wilson, and Mat
thews, were the great leaders in debate; to
whom was added John B. Hoge in 1911, &C
knowledged by all as their peer. These had
each of them his own individuality of mind,
body and manner.
DR.. Hill stood tall, erect, square-shOul-
dered, with a well proportioned body, dark
complexion, his countenance expressive of
his thoughts as they filed his heart, or passed
rapidly through his mind. An actor might
have taken lessons from his unstuded atti-
tudes; and the vivid expressions of his eye
and cOuntenance. He could frown as few
could, and his unstudied smile was inimita-
bic. His thoughts, and words. and know
ledge were all at his command; and with
them came an untold variety Of passions and
emotions. People loved to hear him preach,
and would listen to his debate whether they
agreed with him or not, in the conclusion.
Dr.. Williamson stood erect, well proper
toned, of medium height, and evidently
possessed of strength. His face indicated
his mother country, and in his graver mo-
ments was stern; but when awakened to de-
bate, or by the kindlier feelings of the heart,
all his features we're softened by an unaffect-
ed tenderness His mind had legal cast,
and he was tond of discussions growing out
of ecclesiastical law and usage; clear in his
thoughts and resolute in his purposes, ready
in debate, never discomposed, well read, he
was strong advocate or opponent. People
loved to listen to his terse sentences as
preacher or .debater
DR.. WilsOn stood tall erect, and square
shouldered like DR.. Hill, but less massive,
with fair, youthful countenance, on which
were beaming truthfulness and tenderness;
graceful in manner, always taking things
with soft hand; courteous and exceedingly
cautious.
DR.. AEattIeacs was tall, square shouldered,
well prOportioned-bu inclined to a gentle
stoop in his shoulders, of strong feeling and
passions, and deep emotions,-all 50 COM
pletely disciplined to obey his will, that they
came and went at his command. His whole
appearance indicated vast endurance and
perseverance not to be doubted, He ex-
celled in that kind of reasoning for. which
Samuel Brown was remarkable An out
burst of feeling came about as often as with
Brown The vOlcanOe might, be raging
within, but no smoke escaped. He moved
on in argument like heavy armed battal-
ion.
Mr.. Glass, like Williamson, of medium
stature, was erect, firm, and exhibiting un-
doubted signs of more physical strength
than any other member of the Presbytery,
noted in his youth for agility and strength,
with blue eyes and bald head, and fair cOun-
tenance, expressing tenderness underlaid by
frmness; with heart abounding with the
domestic and social affections. Fond of
metaphysical disquisitions, he had no peer in
that department in the Presbytery, or supe-
rior in the Synod He engaged in the de-
bates of Presbytery with keen relish, and
was not inclined to judge harshly.
When John B. HQge arose, he appeared