The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1877-07-25
FoR THE CENTRAL PREsBYTERIAN.
"REMINISCENCES OF PRESBYTERIAN
MINISTERS.
BY AN OCToGENARIAN.
No. 4.
REV. DAVID WILEY.


The Presbyterian kirk of Georgetown had
increased both in numbers and wealth. 1t
had got the start of Papistry which kept it.
self sloOf until the Jesuit College was estab-
hshed in l791, probably by Prelste Carroll,
who had been over to the yellow Tiber to re-
ceiVe the fluid. The Institution was fed from
St. Mary's, where Pspal colony arrived
about 1888. ROmanism has been strong on
the Western, but always weak on the East
ern shore of Maryland, where the sun rises.
The pastor of Bridge Street kirk in 1900
determined to relinquish the oversight of the
Classical Academy which he had taught for
many years. 1t was time that he should live
of the moral altar which ne had planted, and
served for so long period. He owned in
deed "Msmre," the house which he had built
and his "Patmos Isle" on the Potomac,
and "Wilberforce," small farm, but what
were they to the support Of growing fam
lily? He had sold out row of lots which
sdjoined his dwelling, that he might accom-
modate the Scotch families from the shire of
Elgin.
The Rev. David Wiley succeeded him in
the Academy. He had graduated at Prince
ton in 17SS, and connected himself with the
PPesbytery of Baltimore. His acquaintance
with Mathematics was extensive. We can
not say that he was popular, even as an Oc-
casionsl preacher, for there was an unfortu-
nate drawl in his voice. But he was sound
divine, and competent classical teacher
After looking up few words in the diction-
airy, he could construe any sentence in Latin.
He was last from Northumberland, Pa. But
in 1901 Campbell had not sung of Wyoming
on Susquehsnnah, and there was nothing
ideal in his mind. We never could ascertain
the relations which existed between him and
DR.. Priestly, during their joint residence in
q village of six hundred people. The Bir-
miDgham Philosopher had bought lands in
the vicinity of Northumberland. He was
chemist to whom discoveries in that science
were spontaneous, but still the chemist must
have respected the mathematical sttainments
ofehe Presbyterian. Had the former pro-
posi- to the latter some scheme about his
lands, he would have caught at it in the
twinklng of an eye. In their theology they
were as distant from each other as the re-
hottest planet from the sun. The one preach
ed almost exclusively about the sacrifice for
sin, whilst the other believed in no sacrifice
at all. There is not an evangelical senti-
ment in Priestley's published sermons. The
volume would suit Ezekiel's valley of vision.
They who rebel against revealed truth 'shall
dwell in a dry land, " says the Psalmist.
The School of the new PreceptOr was
opened with prayer. Nor was that service
ever omitted on any future occasion. Pupils
were numerous. Our hats were about one
hundred and ten in number. 1t was impos-
sible for one man to train such number,
studying as they did different branches. For
example, his mind would become involved in
abstruse calculation with the mathematical
students. Unconscious of the lapse of time,
Latin and Greek scholars were often ne
elected. But in the Fall of 1902, Gulielmus
Reid arrived as an assistant teacher. He
was fresh from Princeton, and in his hurry
had forgotten his diploma, but in . few days
it was brought by his clsssmate, Richard
Henderson. We liked the Usher. His hair
was of a sandy color, and his cOuntensnce
the index of great personal courage. For a
time he became President of Hampden Sid
ney, settled as pastor in Lynchburg, married
quantity of people, and died in 1858,
greatly lamented. We remember an even
ing ride in company with him, in 1889, upon
the environs of Lynchburg, and along the
banks of the placid James.
There was a growth in the Baltimore Pres
bytery, but the connection of some with that
body was only of short duration. Conrad
Specie could not live outside of Virginia
Adam Freeman renouneed infant baptism
and then turned Jew. Martin was recalled
to his congregation at ChanCefOrd, Pa, snt
Searle went to Indiana. Ministers are otter
like boys gliding on the ice. They may en-
counter white-caps, and yet are fond o
change. But the Rev. David Wiley beCam
fixture, and kept good many irons in tn