The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-10-13
SAMUEL B. WILSON, D. D.
NO. VII.

lngton to the Assembly that gave Mr. VII
son his first commission, with Mr.. James
Hoge, in 1905, became member of Win
chester Presbytery in 1906. He was licen-
tate of the Presbytery in 1913, was trans
ferred to Lexington Presbytery in 1894, and
received back in 1906. 1t was a pleasant
ride, on horseback, across the country from
Leesburg to Fredericksburg, in early sum-
mer and early fall. Mr.. Mines was warm
hearted man and affectionate in his manner
of preaching. He might be called the weep
ing prophet; without the lamentations and
woes given to Jeremiah, which he uttered
with tears of commiseration. Mr.. Mines
felt his heart moved with the tender offers of
the Gospel, and he wept over the condition
of impenitent men. AS our Saviour beheld
Jerusalem and wept over it; 40 Jerusalem
Jerusalem !" so Mr.. Mines wept, often wept
as he delivered mis- message.
1t was often delicious for the sympathiz-
ing and tender hearted to go along with
Mines with gentle sighs and suppressed sobs,
as he set forth the compassion of the Re-
deemer expressed to lost men. And when
Wilson, (for on such visits, the pastor and
visitor alternated the two sermons each day
of the meeting gave one of his calm, clear,
sweet exhibitions of the mercy of God in
receiving sinners, it was delightful exer-
else of the people of God to cast themselves
at the feet of jesus Lord, believe y
'My beloved is mine, and 1 am his.
William Williamson lived in Middleburg,
Fauquier county. He was Scotchman
born and classically educated, and trained
in the morals and religion of the spiritually
inclined Church of Scotland. The Gordons'
of the Northern Neck of Virginia, and the
neighboring families, having direct commu-
nication with England, persuaded him to
emigrate to Virginia and engage in classi-
cal school in Lancaster county. While thus
employed, VIM. Hill, on a mission to that
county after the departure of Mr.. Waddell,
the blind preacher, found him, and being
greatly pleased with him, pressed him to
make the necessary preparations for the
Gospel ministry. He became minister Of
the Gospel, and formed one of the Original
ministers of Winchester Presbytery in 1894
His removal to Middleburg in the year -
brought him nearer to Fredericksburg than
Leesburg, and his occasional visits were
welcome. In his department he was of the
old school, His air and manner indicated
frmness, decision, frankness, and witha
kindness. A sensible stranger would not
have thought of making free with him, anG
yet his confidence would speedily have beer
won in his justice and uprightness. In the
pulpit he was always digniGed and self
possessed, and often courtly and imposing
and scarce ever spoke without attracting the
audience to the closest attention. He loveC
the doctrines of his Church, and set then
forth to the best ability of vigorous, vel
informed mind. Mr.. Wilson's people woulC
listen to him with interest always; some
times with amazement, as he set forth what
are sometimes called the strong doctrines ot
the Augustinian, or predestinarian creed
with great clearness and warmth. No hearel
could doubt that he both believed and loveC
what he preached. As he went on with his
discussion of doctrine, or practice, or both
he would throw out in profusion, the sharp
well defined corners and angles of his sys
tenn with simplicity, and boldnesS, and i'm
pressive earnestness, that men and womer
who trembled at the thoughts and could moi
forget the words, would hang on his lips anC
go away wondering if these things were so
Sometimes as he progressed his clear classic
English diction would be blended with the
accent of his mother tongue, his form woulC
dilate, his voice grow mellow, his gestures
gentle, yet commanding, and in manner
inimitable, and yet perfectly natural, hC
would utter the words of Scripture anC
Scripture thoughts. Wilson's people woul(
feel themselves carried on by reSistles'
might. The Scotch element recognized th'
manner, and the matter of the pulpit o
their mother land; and others would g
away wondering if those words of power
were not truly the words of God. When h
argued the cause of Elijah pleading for Coz